Review: 2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan
The 1995 A4 led Audi out of a serious sales slump, and
helped revitalize the company. But 1995 was a long time ago, and
the entry-luxury market in which the A4 resides is fiercely
competitive. Despite that, 2001 A4 sales were anything but anemic.
The A4 aged well.
But Audi is taking no chances, and 2002 sees an all-new
A4. It's larger, especially inside. It features increased structural
rigidity for improved handling and lower noise levels. The previous
2.8-liter V6 engine has been replaced by a physically smaller,
lighter, more efficient, and more powerful 3.0-liter V6, and the 1.8-
liter turbocharged four-cylinder has significant upgrades as well. As
always, the new A4 is offered in front-wheel drive ``FrontTrak''(r)
and all-wheel drive ``quattro''(r) form. Sedans were the first variety
available, but Avant (wagon) and cabriolet versions have been
recently introduced.
Audi's corporate motto ``Vorsprung durch Technik''
translates to ``advancement through technology.'' And the new A4
incorporates innovative technology in the form of the
``multitronic''(r) continuously-variable transmission (CVT). It has a
wider range of gear ratios than conventional manual or automatic
transmissions, and works by varying the size of two split pulleys
(called ``variators'') connected by a strong link-plate chain. It
incorporates state-of-the-art electronics and hydraulics to give the
best driving characteristics. A six-speed ``Tiptronic''(tm) manual-
shift mode is possible thanks to preprogrammed variator positions.
A motorcycle-type multi-plate wet clutch is automatically
disengaged when the car comes to a stop, and re-engaged upon
starting.
I've been driving a multitronic-equipped A4 1.8t for the past
week, and it has been very interesting. The transmission's lack of
shifting makes the car feel like it is powered by an electric motor.
It's wonderfully smooth and quiet, with no negative effect on
performance - acceleration is the same as with the five-speed
manual up to 60mph, and better above that. The redesigned and
larger interior is a definite improvement, too. Audi has taken a
benchmark car and made it even better.
APPEARANCE: The 2002 A4 is still a rounded Audi, but with a
slightly more angular shape than the previous model. The longer,
more formal roofline and angular taillights show kinship to the
luxury flagship A8, while the long hood and relatively short rear
deck echo A6 styling. A high, sharp shoulder line and flared wheel
arches give good definition to the sides. The new front styling
boasts revised headlights. A more rectangular chrome-trimmed
grille and matching lower intake below the bumper together look
like a large grille bisected by the bumper. All styling elements work
together to give a sporty and luxurious appearance.
COMFORT: By U.S. standards, the old A4 was snug, especially in
the rear seat. No longer. The new A4 has just enough extra width,
length, and height inside to remove the major criticism of the first-
generation car, and its excellent design makes it seem even bigger.
My test car was the base model, meaning leatherette instead of
leather, and manual, not power seats. No loss of comfort or
convenience. The two-tone gray-over-tan color scheme dispenses
with windshield glare and adds visual space, and the textured
aluminum trim looks better than the artificial wood commonly
found in this class. Supportive seat design, a good instrument panel,
and a tilt-and-telescope adjustable steering wheel aid the driver, and
rear-seat occupants are no longer second-class citizens. There is
noticeably more rear space, especially for knees and legs, and
optional heated seats include the rear outboard positions, which get
the same wonderful seven-position heaters as the fronts. The rear
seatback is split 60/40 for times when the trunk isn't enough, but
those times should be rare - there is plenty of accessible trunk
space, and a full-size spare is found under the trunk floor.
SAFETY: All 2002 Audi A4 models have a safety cell around the
passenger cabin, with front and rear crush zones. Front and front
side and head curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with
brake assist, and ESP stability control are standard.
ROADABILITY: All new A4s, FrontTrak and quattro, have a new
independent trapezoidal link rear suspension and a refined version
of Audi's four-link front suspension. More lightweight aluminum
components are used, for less unsprung weight, and chassis rigidity
is significantly higher. The result is even better handling, improved
ride comfort, and a quieter driving experience. The regular
suspension tuning is supple and compliant. The sport suspension
fitted to my test car is firmer, with less body roll, and will please the
enthusiast driver.
PERFORMANCE: Power, performance, and good fuel economy
are not mutually exclusive with the upgraded Audi 1.8-liter
turbocharged engine and the multitronic CVT. The intercooled 20-
valve four-cylinder benefits from a number of internal
improvements that result in lower emissions (now at ULEV levels)
and better gas mileage. With 170 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 166
lb-ft of torque from 1850 to 5000 rpm, it offers the sort of easy,
``shifting optional'' performance that makes for pleasant driving
with any transmission. The non-shifting CVT is in a class of its
own. It keeps engine revs in the heart of the torque curve for the
most efficient operation, and simulates keeping the engine in a
lower gear for maximum power ascending or engine braking when
descending hills. Acceleration is immediate - Audi took care of
turbo lag years ago, and the multitronic adjusts variator ``gear
ratios'' more quickly and smoothly than a regular automatic can
shift. The shift lever can be put into ``Tiptronic''(r) manual shift
mode, with a choice of six ``ratios'' programmed into the
transmission's software to keep revs up in performance driving, but
I rarely felt it necessary to do so. The multitronic's smoothness also
adds to the A4's luxury feeling, and acceleration is better than with
the five-speed manual gearbox.
CONCLUSIONS: In the new A4, Audi has made a good car even
better.
SPECIFICATIONS
2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan
Base Price $ 26,050
Price As Tested $ 29,950
Engine Type dual overhead cam 20-valve inline 4-
cylinder
Engine Size 1.8 liters / 109 cu. in.
Horsepower 170 @ 5900 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 166 @ 1950-5000 rpm
Transmission electro-hydraulic controlled
continuously-variable
Wheelbase / Length 104.3 in. / 179.0 in.
Curb Weight 3362 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 19.8
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline
recommended, 87 octane regular acceptable
Tires P235/45 HR17 Dunlop SP Winter
Sport
Brakes, front/rear antilock vented disc / solid disc
Suspension, front/rear independent four-link / independent
multilink
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 20 / 29 / 24
0 to 60 mph 7.8 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 15.9 sec
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Dolphin gray pearl effect $ 450
Glass power tilt and slide sunroof $ 1,000
Sport package - includes: 17-inch 5-spoke cast alloy
wheels, sport-tuned suspension, ultra-high
performance summer tires $ 1,000
Heated front and rear seats $ 525
Premium package - includes: Homelink (r) remote
transmitter, auto-dimming exterior and
interior mirrors $ 350